Calcium – for strong bones and teeth

Calcium and magnesium are two best – known minerals associated with dairy products. You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. It is interesting to know that the total body content of calcium ranges between 1 – 1.2 kg in an adult. Calcium is an electrolyte (can be sweated out), which helps support muscles and is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

The role of calcium

Permanent supply of calcium is beneficial for your body. Varied and balanced diet should provide enough calcium for the needs of your body. However, in some cases a dietary supplement containing calcium can be taken. Berocca Performance is a unique combination of vitamins and minerals, like calcium, which will help you meet your daily requirements and enhance your physical and mental performance.

Foods rich in calcium

dairy products: cheeses (Parmesan, Emmental), milk,
green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cabbage, parsley, watercress),
fish (particularly those with consumable bones, like anchovies or sardines),
seeds (poppy, sesame, celery and chia seeds),
nuts,
beans and lentils,
tofu,
bread and anything made with fortified flour,
some mineral waters.

Quote – calcium is an electrolyte, which helps support muscles

Consequences of calcium deficiencies may not manifest straight away. That is why people who are on a diet low in calcium should remember about supplements. Some of the insufficient calcium consequences include medium and long term changes in calcium levels in bones which can weaken them. A body which doesn’t get enough calcium may take it from skeleton and teeth to move it to other areas where it is needed. This can lead to osteoporosis. Other consequences of lacking calcium can affect muscles which may become tingly. People can also experience muscle cramps.

Who can benefit from calcium supplements?

Postmenopausal women. After menopause women lose bone mass due to decline in estrogen. Calcium based supplements may reduce bone density loss.
Vegans. Calcium found in animal based foods is better absorbed by the body, so people following a vegan diet may be at risk of insufficient intake.
Overweight and obese people. Studies have linked a low calcium intake with a higher body mass index and high body fat percentage.
People with osteoporosis. If you have this condition that weakens your bones making them fragile and more likely to break you should consider taking calcium supplements.

Kids often get annoyed with their mums for forcing them to drink a glass of milk with their meal. They don’t realise how important that glass of milk is for their growing bodies, to make their bones and teeth strong. Maybe even as adults we shouldn’t forget that old habit and have some milk every day.